Syrians fleeing Aleppo join thousands stranded on Jordan border

In the last three days alone, some 5,000 more people have arrived at makeshift camps in the remote desert area after making the roughly 300-mile journey to escape the violence.

Aid groups have pleaded with Jordan to allow them entry, noting that they are living in dire conditions with little shelter. They say the UN-run Azraq camp in the north of the country stands largely empty and could accommodate tens of thousands more refugees.

Jordan says the group poses a potential security risk, with some coming from areas controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and need to be carefully vetted.

Ibrahim, 24, who had fled his hometown of Isil-controlled Deir Ezzor, told the Telegraph he has been living with his two young cousins in a tent on the border for nearly a month, checking every day with the guards whether their names were on the list for screening.

“It is clear we are not terrorists, we are with our families,” said Ibrahim, who did not wish to give his surname. “We just want peace in Jordan away from Daesh and the bombing, but I am giving up hope,” he added, using the derogatory Arabic name for the group.

Aid agencies told the Telegraph they have so far not been allowed access to those waiting on the Syrian side, but they report that the desert conditions are very tough, with no shade, running water or vegetation, and the growing numbers are putting a serious strain on resources.

A ceasefire deal brokered by Russia and the United States yesterday brought some relief to the battered second city of Aleppo after 11 days of fighting, but President Bashar al-Assad warned he still sought a total, crushing victory over rebel forces there.

Assad said the army would abide by the 48-hour truce which expires at midnight on Friday, but said it was still set on “attaining final victory” against the rebels.

The United Nations warned such an offensive could cause as many as 400,000 more to flee the city.

Reaching safety has become increasingly difficult for Syrians. Those who make it to the border with Turkey find it shut.

The once porous Bab al-Salam crossing has now been closed by its northern neighbour, which wants to create a safe zone inside Syria rather than let the estimated 100,000 waiting at the frontier in.

Jordan, which is already host to more than one million refugees, has also all-but closed its four main borders.

Authorities have been letting in a few dozen people every day, after they have gone thorough screening.

According to General Saber Al-Mahayra, head of Jordan’s border guards, around 2,000 Syrians currently camping near the border are suspected by Jordanian authorities of involvement with Isil. Weapons have already been seized from some would-be refugees along the border, he said.